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What is phishing? How to spot fake bank emails, texts and calls

By SendPay Business · · 2 min read

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Phishing is when a criminal pretends to be someone you trust, such as your bank, a delivery firm or a tax office, to trick you into handing over passwords, card details or security codes. It is one of the most common ways money accounts get broken into.

The three main kinds

Phishing usually means fake emails. Smishing is the same trick by text message, and vishing is by phone call. All three try to create panic or urgency so you act before you think.

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Warning signs

  • A message says your account is locked or a payment failed and asks you to act now.
  • The link or sender address is slightly wrong when you look closely.
  • You are asked for a full password, PIN or one-time code.
  • A caller asks you to move money to a 'safe account'.

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If you think you clicked

Change the password on the real site, contact your bank or card provider using the number on the back of your card, and watch your statements. In the UK you can forward scam texts to 7726 and scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.

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Why strong authentication helps

Strong customer authentication asks for a second factor, such as a code or a fingerprint, so a stolen password alone is not enough. Genuine banks never ask you to read that code out to them.

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How it works

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SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank. Accounts, cards and payments are powered by licensed partners.

Questions people ask

What is account takeover fraud?

What criminals do once they have your login.

Account takeover →
What is strong customer authentication?

The two-step checks that block stolen passwords.

Strong authentication →
Can I launch my own money app?

Yes, powered by licensed partners.

See platforms →

Read next

Spotted a mistake or something out of date? and we'll fix it. How our guides are made

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. Other companies named in this guide are reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.